From domino · Raven McMillan · · 3m
24 advent calendars worth the hype this year
From whiskey to jewelry to artisanal chocolate, these countdown calendars upgrade the holiday tradition for grown-ups.
In brief
From whiskey to jewelry to artisanal chocolate, these countdown calendars upgrade the holiday tradition for grown-ups. Advent calendars have evolved far beyond chocolate, today's options cater to specific interests like wine, cheese, beauty, and puzzles, making them thoughtful gifts that sell out quickly. Originally…
Advent calendars grew up
What started as chocolate behind numbered doors now includes whiskey, jewelry, cheese, and beauty products. Adults get personalized countdowns matched to their interests.
Beauty lovers get 24 days of testing
Anthropologie's 24 Days of Beauty hides $300 worth of skin care, hair care, fragrance, and makeup. It's a full month to trial your 2027 beauty routine.
Jewelry that stacks beyond December
Astrid & Miyu's calendar fills 24 doors with exclusive pieces designed to layer together. The packaging doubles as a jewelry box you'll keep using.
Jam flavors make toast exciting
Bonne Maman's limited-edition calendar features tiny gingham jars in flavors like caramel with salted butter and raspberry with dark chocolate. Each morning becomes an event.
Charlotte Tilbury's beauty haul
Fifteen doors reveal four full-size products and $400 worth of Charlotte Tilbury favorites. This is a serious December beauty splurge, not a sampler.
Handcrafted chocolate in three designs
Compartés offers Enchanted Castle, Nutcracker, or Winter Fox calendars filled with artisanal confections. Choose your favorite aesthetic and work through Christmas.
Whiskey tasting with Nordic stories
Dandelion Chocolate's 24 doors feature original confections from acclaimed chocolatiers, each in an illustrated ornament box inspired by Nordic mythology with accompanying lore.
December becomes whiskey education
Flaviar's Whiskey Advent Calendar includes 24 different sips, two Glencairn glasses, and an interactive tasting guide. It's a month-long exploration disguised as fun.
Wine with daily tasting videos
In Good Taste's 2026 Wine Advent Calendar holds 24 mini bottles of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wine from around the world. Optional daily videos explain what you're drinking.
Cheese as a daily tradition
Murray's 12-day cheese countdown features Gruyère, Manchego, cheddar, and Parmigiano Reggiano with accompaniments. It treats cheese like the daily treat it deserves to be.
Charm bracelet builds through December
Meri Meri and Liberty's collaboration adds one charm piece daily, creating a keepsake bracelet by Christmas. Liberty's cheerful prints make it wearable long after the holidays.
Stationery for desk drawer dreams
Papier made an advent calendar for paper people. Choose 12 or 24 days and unwrap pretty paper goods and writing accessories throughout December.
Art puzzles from The Met
The Met's Advent Countdown reveals 24 envelopes of puzzle pieces that assemble into mini artworks from the museum's collection. It's unwrapping culture, one day at a time.
What to remember
Advent calendars have evolved far beyond chocolate, today's options cater to specific interests like wine, cheese, beauty, and puzzles, making them thoughtful gifts that sell out quickly.
